Jan Thompson is a prolific and longstanding Riverina artist who has held numerous solo exhibitions and whose style is perhaps best described as realistic impressionism. Her preferred mediums are watercolour and oils, and her love of gardening is reflected in her beautiful paintings of flowers, one of the central themes of her work. Other themes include still life, landscape and more recently a focus of portraits.

Jan has been recognised in many competitions and awards over her career, including:

In 2012, ‘Bizi the Musk Duck’, a children’s book written by Ann Maree Thompson (Jan’s daughter) and illustrated by Jan, was shortlisted by The Wilderness Society of Australia for an environmental award for children’s literature.

Jan has also held numerous solo exhibitions at ‘The Cottage Gallery’ in Griffith NSW:

With the closure of the gallery Jan’s works are available from ‘In the Frame’ shop, Banna Avenue, Griffith, NSW.

Jan has been painting all her life. She studied the history of art for the Higher School Certificate, and art was one of her optional subjects at Wagga Teachers College, where she was tutored by the great Alf Morris. In addition she has attended workshops with: 

Jan, who lives in Griffith, joined the Leeton Art Society to enable her to carve out regular painting time each week, and because she was attracted and inspired by the enthusiasm and passion of all involved, and their willingness to attend and run regular workshops.

Jan comes from a long line of artists, and it is from their that her creative drive is derived. No less than four members of the family from which she is descended were practicing artists making a living from their craft. Coming from the Reid family on her father’s side, these people worked in Sydney, Melbourne and Bathurst, as newspaper artists and sign writers.

Jan is looking forward to continuing her long and fruitful association with Leeton Art Society.